Pontoon Usage Rules
STOUR SAILING CLUB
Pontoon Usage Rules
Guiding Principles
These regulations outline the usage of our pontoon to ensure fair access, safe operation, and proper maintenance of the facility.
While visitors are always welcome, member access takes priority except during advance bookings or during pre-arranged events.
The pontoon is a shared resource and should not be monopolized by any individual member.
By using the pontoon facility, you agree to adhere to the rules at all times.
Pontoon Layout and Designation
The pontoon measures approximately 115ft and is divided into 4 marked berths on the outside and 2 on the inside.
The most easterly position on the outside is designated as a loading/unloading/water filling zone only.
The remaining berths are available for booking online via the website
Pontoon Usage Rules
Loading/Unloading Zone (Easterly Position) -
Available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Maximum stay is 1 hour for loading/unloading and water filling.
Users MUST allow other vessels alongside, or vacate, when requested.
Vessels must not be left unattended during a 1 hour visit.
May be made available over low water with specific approval from the pontoons and quays manager and if paid for.
Must be vacated promptly as the next incoming tide allows.
Bookable berths (3 spaces outside, 2 spaces inside) -
Bookable online via the website if you have any queries contact the pontoon and quays manager, details below.
Maximum bookable stay is 3 consecutive nights with no return within 7 nights.
After your booked and paid period on the pontoon, you may continue to stay on a daily, ad-hoc paid-for basis, ONLY if the berth is unbooked and empty. You do not have a right to stay continuously and you must leave before the next booked vessel is scheduled to arrive. (If there is no other booking when the usual "7 day" return time expires, you can rebook for another period and continue your stay.)
Other empty berths can also be used on an ad-hoc basis for loading and unloading. However, the same 1-hour rule applies, and you must not leave your vessel unattended at any time.
Bookings must be paid for in advance and any failure to do this renders the booking 'unconfirmed', and others may be given priority.
Refunds only in exceptional circumstances and if approved by the Pontoons and Quays Manager.
Users must vacate immediately if the next booked user arrives
Boats cannot be left unattended on non-booked berths
Club events, safety vessels, and organised training sessions may have priority, and affect availability.
Booking fees
Members Berth currently: £5 per night
Visitors Berth currently: £10 per night
All bookings must be made in advance through the website, queries can be answered by the Pontoons and Quays Manager.
Unpaid bookings may not be honoured.
Facilities
Electricity and Water may be available upon request. Max electrical load is 2.0kW, no splitter plugs are to be used. Please turn off when not in use.
Visitors will have 24hrs access to the clubhouse kitchen, bathroom and shower usage. Please leave in a clean, hygienic and respectable manner.
Codes for the pontoon gate and clubhouse can be obtained at the time of booking. Under no circumstances should the gate access codes be given to anyone and the access gate should be always closed for security of both boats and possessions.
The pontoon must be maintained in a clean and tidy condition at all times. All waste materials must be disposed of using appropriate methods and must not be discarded on the pontoon, within the compounds, or into the river.
Safety Regulations
Everyone using the club's pontoons does so at their own risk. Always exercise care and consideration for others while taking weather and estuary conditions into account before arriving. There may be times when northerly winds and rough water make the berths unsuitable for some vessels; in such cases, do not take unnecessary risksdepart and consider arranging a swinging mooring if needed.
Anyone failing to adhere to these rules may be barred from using these facilities for the remainder of the season.
Berth users must maintain adequate insurance.
Vessels must be properly secured with regular inspection by owners required.
All vessels must be adequately fendered on both sides.
Maximum vessel length: 33 feet (10 meters), unless by prior arrangement with the mooring master.
Maximum vessel displacement: 10 tons.
Rafting is limited to two vessels deep, subject to weather conditions.
Children under 12 must wear life jackets on the pontoon.
No emptying of sea toilets on pontoon.
Care should be taken in refuelling of craft.
Members must report any damage to the club's pontoons and notify the mooring master immediately.
Rule Enforcement
The Pontoons and Quays Managers decisions regarding pontoon usage are final.
Any member found abusing these rules will be barred from booking the pontoon for the remainder of the season.
Repeated violations may result in disciplinary action by the club committee.
Pontoons and Quays Manager Contact Information
Telephone: 01206 39393924 Email: pontoonsandquays@stoursailingclub.co.uk
Last updated 18:27 on 6 January 2026